Hello everyone.

I'm and Englishman going to AFCON next year and seeing some other places at the same time. We're starting in Lagos and moving on to Cotonou. Normally we'd be very happy getting a bus but ABC Transport says that takes 10 hours+, and flying doesn't see to be an option (given the distance).

Google says it's only a three hour drive. I asked on Reddit and someone mentioned taxis from Badagry and that I'd definitely get an answer on here! I think we'll stay on Victoria Island in Lagos - would we be able to get a bus from there to Badagry, then a taxi to Cotonou? What might that cost?

Thanks all!

The ABC transport must be joking. Well, from VI, find your way to Badagry or Iyana-Iba where you will see bus/car going to Seme border. When you get to the border, just cross to Benin Republic and from there you will get Taxi that will take you to Cotonou.

I must warn you the distance and the traffic jam between Victoria Island and Badagry is a real issue. You need to be really prepared.mentally for it. You would feel like it's travelling across continents


Trust me, you'll need between 8 -13 hours. The traffic on these axis is usually chaotic.

I just read thru your post again and noticed you mentioned using ABC transport. Please make sure you go with this option forget about the costs. This is the assured means of dealing with the travelling stress and enjoy some entertainment at the same time.

When last you passed that area? The road are good now and there won't be much traffic going except weekend.
From VI down to Badagry will be free flow especially in the morning because majority will be going out.

DeeBaDan:
I must warn you the distance and the traffic jam between Victoria Island and Badagry is a real issue. You need to be really prepared.mentally for it. You would feel like it's travelling across continents


Trust me, you'll need between 8 -13 hours. The traffic on these axis is usually chaotic.

I just read thru your post again and noticed you mentioned using ABC transport. Please make sure you go with this option forget about the costs. This is the assured means of dealing with the travelling stress and enjoy some entertainment at the same time.

madridguy:
When last you passed that area? The road are good now and there won't be much traffic going except weekend.
From VI down to Badagry will be free flow especially in the morning because majority will be going out.

Really ? Cause I've always known it as a route to avoid. If such is the case 6-8 hours one should complete the journey then

Thanks both - some interesting points there!

madridguy - what's wrong with ABC? We'll be doing it on a Monday in February if that makes any difference.

DeeBaDan - I do favour the idea of just getting the bus the whole way and not being concerned with anything - we're so short of time we can't risk anything going wrong, so ABC feels 'safe'. That said, if we can do it in 3/4 hours another way, that's more time in Cotonou.

I don't know what is wrong with ABC but I am sure some transport companies are still going to Cotonou.

supergraeme:
Thanks both - some interesting points there!

- what's wrong with ABC? We'll be doing it on a Monday in February if that makes any difference.

- I do favour the idea of just getting the bus the whole way and not being concerned with anything - we're so short of time we can't risk anything going wrong, so ABC feels 'safe'. That said, if we can do it in 3/4 hours another way, that's more time in Cotonou.

supergraeme:
Thanks both - some interesting points there!

madridguy - what's wrong with ABC? We'll be doing it on a Monday in February if that makes any difference.

DeeBaDan - I do favour the idea of just getting the bus the whole way and not being concerned with anything - we're so short of time we can't risk anything going wrong, so ABC feels 'safe'. That said, if we can do it in 3/4 hours another way, that's more time in Cotonou.

ABC doesn't just feel safe, ABC personifies safety. I recall they have agreents in place with border control so they won't waste time at the border either. You've done a good work researching them till this point. You should engage their services. I'm sure you're stacked up for a pleasurable ride. Funny me. I didn't even know there's going to be an AFCON next year. Damn, work is sucking us in

I was just looking at how much an Uber was from Victoria Island to Jibowu Bus Stop, when it occurred to me - how much would an Uber be to Cotonou? And the current price is ₦ 27000 - which is exactly the same as the fare on ABC for one of us!

Could that be an option? I assumed it would be a crazy price......

Have you considered driving there?

I'm looking for information regarding documents needed to cross the border with a car with cost implications